I'm a musician and teacher, and I've had tinnitus since 2007. Mine is high and low frequency. While I habituated over time to the high pitches, I have never got used to the low-rumble. The condition is now causing me significant worry, as it appears to be gradually getting worse over time, and now my hearing is also a concern.
A specialist recently explained that, while I perform well enough on a standard hearing test, there is such a thing as "hidden hearing loss"- and the frequencies I perceive as sounds are most likely frequencies that I've lost to some degree in my actual hearing.
Another issue is that I'm hyper-sensitive to certain sounds (hyperacusis), and can get startled or irritated by sounds others perceive as perfectly normal. Because certain frequencies are so dominant, I often struggle to follow conversations in noisy environments. I also struggle to hear my students when they ask questions and there is the slightest bit of noise in the classroom. However, when there is no other noise, I can easily hear even very quiet sounds.
I still go out socially, but it's getting more difficult. If there's any loud music I use earplugs with a filter, but it takes most of the enjoyment out of the music, so I sometimes go without. I don't know to what extent I'm just making it worse though. I also enjoy alcohol and occasionally marihuana, but I've heard these are ototoxic (harmful to hearing). Since they also make life more bearable, I don't know to what extent this is harmful in the long term, and if I should try to stop completely to avoid further deterioration.
Any advice greatly appreciated!
My brief Tinnitus story
my tinnitus 
